Belfairs Methodist Church
Mission and Action Plan 2025–2028

This Mission and Action Plan has been prayerfully developed in alignment with the vision of the Methodist Church of Great Britain: to be a growing, inclusive, evangelistic, and justice-seeking Church. Belfairs Methodist Church seeks to discern where God is already at work in our community and to join in that mission with faith, hope, and love.

Mission Plan Statement

Where old friends meet and strangers feel at home.

Our Mission is to provide an open, welcoming and accepting, living place of Christian Worship and Service in our community, in which we seek to serve and follow Jesus Christ.

We seek to live out the Methodist calling to:
• Worship – to gather as God’s people, to be shaped and renewed.
• Learning & Caring – to nurture growth in faith and pastoral care.
• Service – to be a neighbour, engage with social justice, and respond to local needs.
• Evangelism – to share faith, invite others, and welcome new disciples.

5‑Point Action Plan (2025–2028)

1. Worship Renewal & Accessibility

Objective: Ensure worship is engaging, accessible, and deepens discipleship.

Key Actions:

• • Review and refresh worship styles (traditional, modern, café, informal).
• • Support worship leaders, musicians, and multimedia teams.
• • Review All‑Age services, to bridge generations and to ensure regularity.
• • Ensure accessibility (hearing loop, clear liturgy, accessible seating).

Timeline / Metrics: Year 1: audit worship formats; Year 2: pilot new styles; Year 3 review.

2. Strengthening Learning, Discipleship & Pastoral Care

Objective: Grow faith formation and mutual support.

Key Actions:

• • Run Bible study and small group courses.
• • Strengthen pastoral visiting teams, especially for the housebound.
• • Encourage mentoring between longtime and newer members.

Timeline / Metrics: Year 1: Review current systems and if small groups are required. Year 2: Implement small groups if there is a need

3. Deepening Community Engagement & Service

Objective: Be a visible, caring presence in Leigh‑on‑Sea.

Key Actions:

• • Expand Parent & Toddler group, Boys’ / Girls’ Brigade, and community activities.
• • Offer church premises for wider community use (e.g. café, hobby clubs).
• • Partner with local agencies addressing food poverty and loneliness.
• • Undertake environmental stewardship through Eco‑Church initiatives.

Timeline / Metrics: Year 1 Identify local needs and Partners, By Year 3: Continued support of ongoing projects.

4. Evangelism & Invitation Culture

Objective: Develop a culture of welcome and invitation.

Key Actions:

• • Create a Welcome Pathway (first visit, follow-up, next steps).
• • Encourage members to share faith stories and invite friends.
• • Host outreach events such as concerts and open days.

Timeline / Metrics: Year 1: ongoing review.

5. Sustainable Resources & Connexional Alignment

Objective: Steward people, finances, and buildings wisely, in line with Connexional vision.

Key Actions:

• • Conduct a stewardship and giving campaign.
• • Review and improve building use and accessibility.
• • Appoint Eco Champions.
• • Engage with circuit and district mission enablers for guidance.

Timeline / Metrics: Year 1: audit; Years 2–3: implement and review annually.

Key Considerations

• • Discernment & Priority Setting – prayerfully focus on where God is at work.
• • Property integrated into mission – ensure any works serve community and worship.
• • Connexional support – utilise circuit, district and national Methodist resources.
• • Measure & review – monitor attendance, engagement, and community outcomes.
• • Justice & Inclusion – uphold environmental care and equality, diversity, and inclusion values.

TO BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY